Keywords
Gut microbiota
Gut–ovary axis
Acupuncture
Immune inflammation
Submitted : 2025-06-11
Accepted : 2025-06-26
Published : 2025-07-11
Abstract
Gut microbiota dysbiosis can induce chronic low-grade inflammation and disrupt metabolic homeostasis and intestinal barrier function, thereby impairing ovarian function and contributing to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, has been shown to regulate the gut microbiota and modulate multiple cytokines, thereby exerting beneficial effects on ovarian function. Guided by the TCM theories of organs and meridian systems, this study integrates the physiological and pathological correlations between the spleen-stomach-intestine system and the ovary, along with the interconnections of meridians. Taking the gut-ovary axis mediated by intestinal microbiota as a key link, we aim to elucidate the mechanism by which acupuncture improves PCOS by modulating gut microbiota. Acupoint selection is based on the principle of restoring intestinal microbial balance, providing a novel approach to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCOS from the perspective of the gut-ovary axis.
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